Improving Student Oral Proficiency in Foreign Language through the Increased Use and Assessment of Oral Activities.

Williams, Kelly; Sharp, Laura

A program designed to improve the oral second language skills of high school students in second-year Spanish is reported. Initial analysis attributed the students' low level of oral Spanish skills to lack of motivation and insufficient practice of oral language. Three major interventions were implemented: incorporation of more oral practice of Spanish and less use of English in the classroom; teaching and required use of Spanish phrases to limit the need for English use in the classroom; active discouragement of English use during specific class times; class activities to develop meaningful communication skills; active encouragement of informal Spanish use during specific class times; increased informal and formal assessment of oral Spanish skills; and incorporation of topics supporting student self-expression. Results suggests that the classroom procedures, supplemental oral activities, and assessment efforts reduced the amount of English used in the classroom and increased oral Spanish proficiency levels. Appended materials include a teacher survey, testing materials, and classroom procedures and activities. (Contains 17 references.) (MSE)